Whether it’s a single scout or a full-blown colony, ants invading your home can be frustrating, unsanitary, and potentially damaging. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why ants come indoors, how to identify common species, what DIY methods work (how to get rid of ants), when to call in the pros, and how Action Termite & Pest Control can provide expert ant control and extermination solutions tailored to your situation.
Why Do Ants Enter Your Home?
Ants are drawn indoors for basic survival needs: food, water, warmth, and shelter. Here’s why your house may be attractive to them:
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Food Sources: Crumbs, sticky spills, pet food, unsealed pantry items—ants will travel far for a snack. Once a forager ant finds nourishment, it leaves scent trails so others can follow.
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Moisture & Shelter: Leaky pipes, damp basements, or condensation-prone walls offer the moisture ants crave. Small cracks beneath doors or foundation gaps offer entry.
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Temperature & Nesting: As seasons change, ants seek stable indoor environments to build nests and multiply.
Even winter isn’t safe as ants can overwinter in wall voids or crawlspaces, emerging in early spring when conditions improve.
Common Ant Types in Homes
Different species require different approaches:
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Odorous house ants: Small, dark, and leave a musty smell when crushed. They’ll invade kitchens and bathrooms in huge numbers.
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Pavement ants: Often found under concrete or pavements, they enter homes seeking warmth and sugary foods.
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Pharaoh ants: Tiny yellow ants that nest deep inside walls and are hard to exterminate; they spread rapidly through “budding” colonies.
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Carpenter ants: Large and black, these can cause structural damage by nesting in wood. Recognizable by sawdust piles and rustling sounds inside walls
How to Get Rid of Ants: DIY Strategies That Work
While some ant issues require professional help, the following steps can significantly reduce infestations:
1. Maintain Cleanliness & Sanitation
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Wipe down counters, sweep up every crumb, and wash sticky surfaces.
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Store food in sealed containers and promptly dispose of trash.
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Dry sinks, fix leaky faucets and run exhaust fans to remove excess moisture.
2. Seal Entry Points
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Inspect your home’s perimeter. Seal cracks around doors, windows, utility pipes, and where the foundation meets exterior walls.
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Keep vegetation trimmed away from walls to eliminate ant bridges.
3. Use Baits Strategically
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Sweet vs protein: Different ants have specific preferences. Use gel or bait stations near trails and not sprays that give ants a chance to avoid danger.
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Baits are effective because worker ants carry them back to the colony, eliminating the queen.
4. Try Natural Deterrents
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Diatomaceous earth blocks ant movement by damaging their exoskeletons.
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Essential oils like peppermint, citrus (lemon/clove), or vinegar break scent trails and repel ants.
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Talcum powder: Sprinkled at entry points, ants actively avoid it.
5. Treat Nests or Trails Directly
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Outdoor mound: Use boiling water or targeted granule insecticides.
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Indoor nests: Use non-repellent aerosol dust or gel baits inside wall cavities—but only if safe and labeled for indoor use.
When to Call a Professional Ant Removal Company
DIY methods work for small problems, but large, persistent, or hazardous infestations? That’s when it’s time to call the experts.
Here are warning signs that you need professional help:
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Carpenter Ants: Their wood-tunneling behaviors can threaten structural integrity.
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Pharaoh Ants: Because they split into multiple colonies when disturbed, improper DIY treatment may worsen the problem.
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Health Concerns: Ants can carry bacteria and contaminate food surfaces.
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Difficulty Locating Nests: With hidden colonies, especially in walls, attics, or soil, pros use specialized equipment to find and treat the source.
Expert Ant Control by Action Termite & Pest Control
Looking for reliable ant control and elimination? Action Termite & Pest Control is your trusted partner. Here’s how we stand apart:
Comprehensive Inspection & Identification
Our technicians inspect your home from foundation and entry points to attic and crawlspaces, to identify the species and size of infestation.
Customized Treatment Plan
We create a tailored solution using a combination of baiting systems, liquid, and barrier treatments, all eco-friendly and pet-safe.
Elimination & Follow-Up
After initial treatment, we conduct follow-up visits to ensure effective elimination and prevent re-infestation.
Prevention Guidance
We advise you on sealing gaps, controlling moisture, and maintaining cleanliness, to keep ants from returning.
Why Work With Us?
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Certified, experienced technicians versed in ant biology and control methods.
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Affordable, transparent pricing designed for long-term results.
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Safe methods focused on your family’s well-being and satisfaction guarantee.
Broader Pest Protection Services
Alongside ant removal, Action offers a full range of pest and wildlife services with quality you can trust:
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Termite Control – Protect your home from destructive, wood-eating insects.
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Carpenter Ant Control – Defend wood structures from tunneling damage.
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Bed Bug Control – Discreet, effective elimination using advanced methods.
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Rodent Control – Humane and long-lasting exclusion and trapping.
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Wildlife Control – Humane removal of raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and more.
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Mold Control – Protect your indoor air quality and health.
With our Home Service Plan, you get quarterly visits for season-round defense and peace of mind.
Ready to Get Rid of Ants? Here’s What to Do Next
Don’t let ants compromise your comfort, food safety, or structure. Whether you’re dealing with a kitchen invasion or hidden carpenter ant damage, Action Termite & Pest Control is ready to help.
Call us now at 1‑800‑920‑0906 or contact us online to schedule your free ant inspection and learn how we can effectively address your needs. Trust the ant removal company that homeowners across the region rely on.